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University announces £35m research centre
Gogerddan Campus

Grant paves the way for agriculture research

Plans have been announced to build a £35 million innovation campus at Aberystwyth University. The new research facility aims to boost the UK's agricultural science and technology research.

Based at the university's Gogerddan Campus, the new centre will be known as the Aberystwyth Innovation and Diffusion Campus (AIDC).

UK minister for universities and science, David Willetts, recently announced a £14.5 million investment in the project from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

Mr Willetts said: "Britain has the potential to be world-leading in agricultural science and technology, yet our productivity growth has dropped significantly in the past 30 years.

"These leading edge campuses will help reverse that trend by getting our researchers and businesses working together to commercialise their ideas. This is vital for our economy and future food security which is why we are launching the Agri-Technology Strategy."

The campus is to include a commercially-focused training centre and will allow numerous departments at the university to work together to develop bio-economy. The project also involves an upland research platform for the UK and an innovative, business-facing plant breeding facility.

Wayne Powell from the university's Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), said: "Agriculture is the cornerstone of some of the major challenges facing society in the 21st century.

"Our vision is to convert these grand challenges of food, water and energy security into sustainable and prosperous opportunities for society, recognising that innovation in agriculture will play a critical role in fostering a knowledge based bio-economy.”
 
Work on the new campus is expected to begin in 2014, and be completed by March the following year.

Image courtesy of Aberystwyth University

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.